Princess Zelda: Ocarina of Time - process documentation and photoshoot

[Freya Willia]

I've been working on Princess Zelda from Ocarina of Time, for a few years now. I finally, FINALLY got to do a photoshoot this weekend!!

As far as the game goes, it wasn't my favorite of the series, but it was definitely memorable. I go into a lot of step-by-step pics on my Flickr but here are the highlights.

Reference pic:





Embroidery:



Fiber-etching the applique with acid stuff that works on plant based fibers like cotton and linen (you must use synthetic thread for the embroidery edge):






Armor, a combo of tooled leather and clay which I cast in urethane resin:





Gown, has some decorative stitching:



After a long period of grad school and my Commander Shepard build preventing further documentation of this, (and the fact that I really HATE wearing elf ears), I did the photoshoot in a historic park. We went in the morning and the lighting was great. I couldn't have been happier with the results. Photography credit goes to my excellent room mate, and post processing is me.








There are a few more pictures coming, and I'll post them when they are finished!

*Edit* I'm no photographer, and I'm continually disappointed with the results of my photos after I resize and edit them for web. If anyone has any tips about not having NEF files look like crap online send me a PM.

 

[Draven Rahl]

Wow, fantastic work and beautiful photos! : )

 

[Rupp66]

Holy cow! Amazing work! You should be very proud, and the ears look great on you.

 

[tauriice]

Amazing! Such attention to detail. I love everything about this. Totally worth the wait, glad you stuck with it.

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

Wow. That is an amazing costume. Every detail is perfect. Outstanding job.

 

[Bioshutt]

Holy smokes that's Amazing no words can describe it

 

[J EM]

Wow. :eek

I haven't seen many OoT Zeldas, but that is one of the best Zelda costumes I've ever seen, OoT Zelda or not. Amazing work!

 

[Wes R]

I agree this is one of the best zeldas. It's one of those costumes and characters were a lot can go wrong but you got it spot on.

 

[CelticRuins]

Freya this is gorgeous, absolutely stunning work! Wonderful photos as well!

 

[Astrokid248]

I'm generally met with disappointment whenever I see OoT costumes, because of how cartoony the source material is. But holy crap, you did it. You made it look like something from the real world. It's stunning, it really is. I'm digging the embroidered appliqué technique. I also like that your hair is a real hair color. So much win.

 

[weber1701]

really nice:thumbsup

 

[Freya Willia]

I'm generally met with disappointment whenever I see OoT costumes, because of how cartoony the source material is. But holy crap, you did it. You made it look like something from the real world. It's stunning, it really is. I'm digging the embroidered appliqué technique. I also like that your hair is a real hair color. So much win.

Thanks! That is in fact a lace front synthetic wig, blended into my natural hairline. As I get older I kind of feel like if I am continuing to dress up as princess characters, a natural-color palette suits me better.



We took a bunch of shots in the garden, which had an amazing variety of plants, but to my extreme dismay the memory card we used for that set was corrupt. This is the only one I got. I might haul myself back out there one morning and do a re-take.

 

[Nessy]

Those corrupt memory cards and their habit of eating the best pictures....

But at least you got some of your pictures, and they look great. Excellent work on the costume.

 

[drknotter]

Just came here from your N7 thread. Your attention to detail is incredible! OoT is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite video game, and you definitely nailed the character. Really great work. :thumbsup :thumbsup

 

[Weaselhammer]

Beautiful costume, you did a fantastic job and the pictures are wonderful !

 

[EmmaInCandyland]

Stunning!

 

[kczimmy]

The details make it real. Outstanding craftsmanship.

this is a thread full of awesome-

Kurt

 

[ssgbaker]

Since joining the RPF I have mostly just been admiring all of the great work. I had to comment on this though. What a great job. I'm convinced that after putting in so much effort, the photos are a must. Incredible photos. They really give you something you can hang onto for years.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

One of my favorite aspects of your work that I have seen is the variety of techniques you use. I try to learn new skills with each build I do, so it's great to see that in action. Really incredible job you've done here! Absolutely stunning.

 

[Rickhemingway]

Wow, you really brought the character to life! Very nice work and attention to details!